It’s almost summer, that season when church people take a vacation, and so does their giving. But it doesn’t have to. With a little planning and a handful of practical ideas, your church can keep generosity steady and ministry strong all summer long. Whether folks are traveling, unplugging, or just shifting their routines, these ten strategies can help your mission keep moving—no matter what the thermometer says.

Summer brings all kinds of good things – sunshine, vacations, mission trips, and a change of pace. But it can also bring a noticeable dip in giving, just when your church is gearing up for some of its most meaningful work.   That’s why it’s so important to plan ahead.   Below, you’ll find ten practical, church-tested strategies to help maintain steady generosity through the summer months. They’re ranked from #10 to #1 – starting with small shifts and ending with the most impactful steps you can take to sustain giving and strengthen engagement. So be sure to read to the end!   We’ve also developed a downloadable guide with templates to help you put these strategies into action quickly and easily. However you use them, we hope these tips help keep your mission strong all season long. Let’s dive in.

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#10 – Send a Post-Summer Giving Catch-Up Note Let’s face it, summer is busy, and giving can easily slip through the cracks. In late August or early September, send a gracious, encouraging message to the congregation. Thank people for all the ways they’ve supported the church and gently remind them that if they missed any gifts over the summer, now is a great time to catch up. Make it feel like a fresh start, not a guilt trip.   #9 – Use Visual Progress Updates Sometimes, seeing really is believing. Share a simple graphic in your bulletin, newsletter, or slideshow that shows your summer giving goal and how it’s going. This might be a thermometer chart, a running total, or a “steps to the goal” image. It’s a quiet but powerful nudge, especially when paired with stories about how those gifts support real ministry.   #8 – Offer a Mid-Summer Giving Challenge Shake off the summer slump with a little fun. Pick a challenge that fits your congregation – maybe 20 new online givers by July 31, or raising $2,000 for a local mission project. Frame it as a short-term boost to keep ministry strong through the warm months. People like being part of something with a clear goal and a deadline.   #7 – Feature “Why I Give” Testimonials Real people sharing real reasons can move hearts. Ask members of your congregation to share (briefly!) why they give. You can include these in worship slides, social media, or the newsletter. When others hear about the joy, gratitude, or purpose behind someone’s giving, they’re more likely to reflect on their own reasons and take action.   #6 – Create a “Stay Connected” Summer Plan People may be out of town, but that doesn’t mean they want to disconnect. Send out a summer calendar with events, mission projects, devotional resources, or online worship links. When folks feel included and spiritually connected, they’re much more likely to keep their giving steady. Build relationships first and the financial support often follows.   #5 – Recognize and Celebrate Summer Givers Sometimes all it takes is a little thanks. Send a personal note, mention faithful supporters in your newsletter (with their permission), or simply thank the congregation in a worship service. A little recognition can go a long way. People want to know their generosity is noticed and appreciated – and that it’s making a difference.   #4 – Send Pre-Summer Giving Reminders A well-timed nudge before summer begins can do wonders. In May or early June, remind your congregation to consider setting up their giving in advance. Mention travel plans, busy weekends, and summer schedules and invite people to plan their giving now, so ministry can continue strong all season. Make it friendly, not pushy.   #3 – Offer Multiple Easy Ways to Give If you make it simple, people will follow through. Make sure your giving options are easy to find and easy to use: online giving, text-to-give, QR codes in the bulletin, or even an app. People are more likely to keep giving consistently if they can do it from their phone, wherever they are. And don’t forget to walk them through how it works – especially those less tech-savvy.   #2 – Launch a “Summer of Impact” Campaign Instead of focusing on the summer slump, cast a summer vision. Show how giving during the summer helps fund specific ministries – like youth trips, summer lunch programs, or VBS. Tie giving to mission outcomes. When people understand that their gift keeps the church’s mission moving, even when they’re away, they’re far more likely to keep giving.   #1 – Promote Recurring Online Giving This is a game-changer. The goose that keeps laying golden eggs. Encourage your congregation to set up automatic, recurring giving – even if it’s modest. It’s steady, reliable, and doesn’t go on vacation. Highlight it in worship, show how to set it up, and offer tech help to anyone who needs it. Once people switch to recurring giving, most stick with it – and your church benefits from the consistency. Every Gift Counts – Every Season Summer might be slower, but your mission keeps moving. With a little planning and creativity, your church can stay strong, supported, and focused on what matters most.We hope these ideas spark good conversations and new energy for your giving strategy. And if you’d like help putting a plan in place, you know where to find us.